Five nabbed in Kimberley for illegal mining and drug dealing

A WEEKEND police blitz targeting illegal mining and drug-related activities resulted in the arrest of five suspects in Kimberley, along with numerous traffic fines issued during a series of co-ordinated operations across the Frances Baard and Namakwa districts.

Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam said the multi-agency crackdown formed part of Operation Vala Umgodi, a continuing province-wide campaign aimed at tackling illicit mining and associated crimes.

The weekend began with a drug bust at the Samaria informal settlement near the Ekapa mine on Saturday, May 10. Acting on a tip-off, police raided several premises, arresting three men aged between 26 and 30. Officers recovered a stash of mandrax tablets and a substantial amount of cash believed to be the proceeds of drug dealing.

The following day, the focus shifted to the Colville “old mine” area, where two more suspects, aged 38 and 42, were apprehended in connection with illegal mining activities. 

Throughout the weekend operation, roadblocks and stop-and-search checkpoints were set up in known hot spots in both districts, resulting in several fines issued for contraventions of traffic regulations.

All five suspects are due to appear in court soon. Authorities say the operation sends a clear message that illegal mining, drug trafficking, and lawlessness will not be tolerated.

The public is urged to report suspicious activity anonymously via SAPS Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS app.